How To Save Energy - 8 Must-Know Tips

Our environment is suffering and our resources are depleting because we use too much of everything. Did you know that you can also save money if you take small steps t save our environment? By just following one or all of the tips below, you will be able to see real savings on your energy bill. You can do something but you don't need to do everything.

In a typical U.S. home, about 20% of energy use is made up of appliances and electronics. When you buy appliances and products, the first step is to look for Energy Star labels. Energy Star labels are strict guidelines created by the U.S. Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Agency for energy efficiency. In order to help make the environment better for our future generations and save money at the same time, you need to follow some of these tips.

Using Light bulbs. Use energy saving CFLs (Compact Fluorescent Light bulbs) instead of the conventional incandescent light bulbs. The CFLs only use one-quarter of the electricity and lasts longer even though they cost about 3-5 times as much as the incandescent light bulb. Each CFL bulb contains 5mg of mercury so you will have an extra item to sort in the recycling bin.

When You Do the Dishes. Loading your dishes in a dishwasher should be avoided unless they are a full load. You can air-dry the dishes instead of using a dryer.

Doing Laundry. When you can, wash clothes with warm or cold water instead of hot water. Air-dry or hang your clothes on a clothes line instead of using a dryer. Don't use the dryer unless it houses a full load.

When it Comes to Refrigerators. Before you open the refrigerator, think of what you want to take out. Leaving the door open will waste extra energy.

Take Showers, less Baths. In order to reduce water usage and also lower your heating bill, you should take showers instead of baths.

Turn Off all Appliances Not in Use. Turn off all lights, computers, and electronics when they are not in use. All your electronics such as computers, TVs, and DVDs should be plugged into power strips. To reduce electricity used to power home appliances, you can use a power strip. Your appliances may be turned off but still, energy is being consumed from the outlet. You can avoid extra energy costs if you unplug the appliance or use a power strip. To cut all the power from the appliance, the power strip has an off button.

Weather-Strip Windows and Doors. You need to check doors and windows for air leaks. Air leaks can be sealed by caulking or weather-stripping. By securing the leaks in your home, hot and cool air will be kept in your home longer. You can save on energy costs with the help of less heating and cooling. Look for Energy Star label. When appliances and products meet strict guidelines of Energy efficiency from the U.S. Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Agency, then Energy Star labels are given.


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